U.S. patent application number 13/814994 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for intelligent mannequin.
This patent application is currently assigned to KEE SQUARE S.r.l.. The applicant listed for this patent is Alfonso Catanese, Matteo Rosada, Stefano Tubaro. Invention is credited to Alfonso Catanese, Matteo Rosada, Stefano Tubaro.
Application Number | 20130292428 13/814994 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43707999 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130292428 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Catanese; Alfonso ; et
al. |
November 7, 2013 |
INTELLIGENT MANNEQUIN
Abstract
The present invention relates to a mannequin (1) provided with a
video camera (10) that is hidden and connected to a processing
system (14) capable of determining, for statistical purposes, age,
gender and ethnic group of those people who enter the field of
action of the video camera (10).
Inventors: |
Catanese; Alfonso; (Mariano
Comense, IT) ; Tubaro; Stefano; (Novara, IT) ;
Rosada; Matteo; (Voghera, IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Catanese; Alfonso
Tubaro; Stefano
Rosada; Matteo |
Mariano Comense
Novara
Voghera |
|
IT
IT
IT |
|
|
Assignee: |
KEE SQUARE S.r.l.
Milano Mi
IT
ALMAX S.p.A.
Milano Mi
IT
|
Family ID: |
43707999 |
Appl. No.: |
13/814994 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
August 2, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB11/53434 |
371 Date: |
June 17, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
223/84 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 8/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/84 |
International
Class: |
A47F 8/00 20060101
A47F008/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 10, 2010 |
IT |
MI2010A001533 |
Oct 12, 2010 |
IT |
MI2010A001860 |
Claims
1.-8. (canceled)
9. A mannequin (1) comprises a sensor (10), which is arranged
within a portion of mannequin (1) such as to be capable of
performing detections in the environment external to said mannequin
(1) or said portion of mannequin (1), said portion of mannequin (1)
being a head (2), said head (2) comprising at least one ocular
portion (3) and comprising one hole (11) at said at least one
ocular portion (3), said one hole (11) preferably having a diameter
ranging between 1 mm and 50 mm, wherein said head (2) comprises an
opening (15), having a greater dimension than the hole (11), in
order to allow accommodating the sensor (10) in position within the
head (2).
10. The mannequin (1) according to claim 9, wherein the opening
(15) is closed by a wall which is suitably shaped and held in
position from lock means.
11. The mannequin (1) according to claim 10, wherein said wall is
obtained directly by the head (2), and can be the result of a cut
that provides both the wall and the opening (15) in one
operation.
12. The mannequin (1) according to the claim 9, wherein said sensor
is an optical detector (10) or a video camera.
13. The mannequin (1) according to claim 9, wherein said sensor is
coupled, either in a cabled or wireless mode, to a processing
device (14).
14. The mannequin (1)) according to claim 12, wherein said optical
detector (10) sends to said processing device (14) a signal
representing the images being detected, said processing device (14)
detecting anthropometric data comprised within the group
comprising: sex, age, race and/or detecting the time spent by
someone observing said mannequin (1).
15. The mannequin (1) according to claim 12, wherein said
processing device (14) is capable not to output any signal
representing the images being detected by said optical detector
(10), except for the above-mentioned anthropometric data.
16. The mannequin (1) according to claim 9, wherein said sensor
(10) is arranged at the portion of mannequin corresponding to the
ears, throat, nose, mouth, hands, fingers, umbilicus, feet and/or
toes, if said mannequin or portion of mannequin comprises the
relevant portion.
17. The mannequin (1)) according to claim 13, wherein said optical
detector (10) sends to said processing device (14) a signal
representing the images being detected, said processing device (14)
detecting anthropometric data comprised within the group
comprising: sex, age, race and/or detecting the time spent by
someone observing said mannequin (1).
18. The mannequin (1) according to claim 13, wherein said
processing device (14) is capable not to output any signal
representing the images being detected by said optical detector
(10), except for the above-mentioned anthropometric data.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an "intelligent" mannequin,
i.e. a mannequin that is able to detect several data of those
people who stop and observe it.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Mannequins are normally used in the field of fashion in
order to display items of clothing, so that a potential purchaser
can get an early impression of how a particular garment will look
like when it is worn.
[0003] Known mannequins are provided with reversible connections
(normally between the trunk, the arms and the pelvis, and between
the pelvis and a leg), so as to allow dismantling the mannequin in
several elements and thus allowing the same to be dressed.
[0004] However, such mannequins are passive, in the sense that,
although being the object of observation by potential purchasers
and therefore finding themselves in a privileged position, they are
not able to interact in any way with their observers, neither to
detect any data thereof.
[0005] In view of the above, the requirement is therefore clear to
provide active mannequins, also called "intelligent", i.e. which
are able to interact or collect data relating to those people who
are observing them, such as to make the best use of the privileged
position in which the mannequin is standing.
[0006] In view of the above-described prior art, the object of the
present invention is to at least partially meet the above-mentioned
requirements.
[0007] Moreover, the present invention allows to obtain advantages
in terms of simplicity of production, increased resistance,
increased compactness and/or increased versatility.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with the present invention, this object is
achieved by means of mannequin or a portion of mannequin according
to claim 1. Further preferred embodiments are illustrated in the
depending claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The characteristics and the advantages of the present
invention will appear from the following detailed description of a
practical embodiment, given as a non-limiting example with
reference to the attached drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective schematic view of a mannequin
having a head according to the present invention
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a perspective schematic view of a second
mannequin having the head of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a second head in accordance with the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a third head in accordance with the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a rear view of a fourth head in accordance with
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Even where not explicitly illustrated, the individual
characteristics described with reference to the specific
embodiments should be intended as being complementary and/or
interchangeable with other characteristics described with reference
to other exemplary embodiments.
[0016] In the present description, any reference made to a
mannequin should be intended to a static one, and any type of
automaton or antropomorph automaton (robot) which by being provided
with motor means is able to perform complex movements, is expressly
excluded.
[0017] On the other hand, the term "mannequin", as used in the
present description, shall encompass those mannequins which are
capable of performing a small number of movements, such as for
example limited oscillations around one or two axes.
[0018] Moreover, those of ordinary skill in the art will be
immediately capable of distinguishing a mannequin (being the object
of present invention) from a doll, which is instead excluded from
present invention, as the first one, which has been conceived to
display garments that should be worn by real people, has dimensions
corresponding to those of a human being while the second one must
be dressed with garments that (due to shape, size or proportions)
are not suitable for dressing people.
[0019] With reference to the drawings, a mannequin is generally
designated with 1, particularly an anthropomorhic mannequin, having
a head 2 provided with eyes (or ocular portions) 3, neck 4, trunk
5, arms 6, pelvis 7, legs 8. The mannequin 1 can be provided in
several separated elements, which are then joined to each
other.
[0020] For example, throughout the Figures the number 9 indicates
an interface between some of these elements. For example in the
mannequin 1 of FIG. 1, there is an interface 9 between trunk 5,
arms 6 and pelvis 7, and an interface 9 between pelvis 7 and a
single leg 8.
[0021] The precise position of the interfaces 9 (for example if the
shoulder must be comprised in the element that provides the arm 6
or in the one that provides the trunk 5) is variable according to
modes and with advantages known in the art relatively to production
flexibility, configuration and obtainable realism.
[0022] The head 2 can comprise two ocular portions 3, whose
position relative to the head 2 will be sufficiently clear both to
those skilled in the field and to the casual observer at any
time.
[0023] The ocular portions 3 can also represent particularly
realistic eyes, like in the examples of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, for
example with eyelashes and/or eyebrows and/or eyelids and/or an
eyeball and/or a pupil and/or an iris, or be simply an area in
which an ocular portion 3 is identifiable, as in FIG. 4.
[0024] Particularly, one of the applicants of the present
application produces mannequins that are particularly realistic. To
the purpose of the present invention, therefore, when reference is
made to an ocular portion 3, it will be meant that all the
characteristics that define an eye can be either absent or present
with a greater or lower degree of realism, according to what is
known in the mannequin manufacturing field.
[0025] As observed in FIG. 5, the head 2 is advantageously hollow
and defines an inner volume V for an optical detector 10 to be
accommodated therein.
[0026] The head 2 can comprise a hole 11 arranged proximate to the
ocular portion 3, preferably having a diameter ranging between 1 mm
and 50 mm, for example lower than 10 mm, which connects the
internal volume V to the outside of the head 2.
[0027] Such hole 11 can be advantageously provided, for example by
means of drilling, after the operations of painting the head 2.
[0028] This hole 11 can be provided in the centre of the ocular
portion 3, for example in the position corresponding to the pupil,
or directly in the pupil, in case the latter is provided in the
head 2.
[0029] Advantageously, the diameter of the hole is substantially
equal to that of a pupil, for example slightly greater than
that.
[0030] At this hole 11, the thickness S of the head 2 can be
reduced, if necessary, to less than 7 mm, preferably less than 5
mm.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness can range between 2
mm and 4 mm or lower than 4 mm.
[0032] The thickness reduction can be obtained for example by means
of milling.
[0033] Within the internal volume V, in the head 2, support and/or
fastening means 12 (for example a bracket, either made of metal or
other material) can be provided for the optical detector 10, so
that the latter is fixed relative to the inner part of head 2,
advantageously relative to the hole 11.
[0034] Conveniently, the optical detector 10 is arranged within the
volume V proximate to the hole 11, so as to detect images of the
outside of said head 2 through said hole 11.
[0035] The optical detector 10 can be, for example, a video camera
and connection means 13 can be associated therewith which connect
it to suitable processing means 14.
[0036] Through the connecting means 13, the optical detector can
send a signal representative of the images being detected to the
processing means 14.
[0037] The single elements composing the mannequin 1, which are
produced independently from each other, for example by means of
extrusion and blow-moulding, can be made from polymeric material,
for example comprising polyester or PS. According to a preferred
embodiment, HDPS can be used, possibly in alloy with styrene, such
as to provide the resulting piece with shockproof properties.
[0038] Conveniently, all the elements are made from the same
material.
[0039] In order to meet production rationalisation requirements, it
is possible to manufacture the head 2 separately from the trunk 5.
In this case, an interface 9 could be provided transversal to the
neck 4, thereby the inner volume V of the head 2 is connected to
the outside of head 2.
[0040] The intersection between the interface 9 and the internal
volume V defines a second open portion of the head, in addition to
the hole 11.
[0041] Once the elements of the mannequin 1 have been manufactured,
they are assembled to each other. Particularly, the head 2 and the
trunk 5 can be assembled to each other by means of welding (or
gluing) thereby causing the interface 9 to be hidden from sight,
like in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0042] Alternatively, the assembly of the two elements (head 2 and
trunk 5) can be carried out by providing inner mechanical
connecting elements within the internal volume of mannequin 1 and
therefore partially within the internal volume V of head 2.
[0043] After the assembly, the mannequin 1 is painted.
[0044] Irrespective of how the head 2 and trunk 5 are assembled,
the access to internal volume V of the head 2 is difficult, if it
is carried out through the second open portion as, after the
welding the latter is difficultly accessible, whereas if the head
and trunk 5 are not welded to each other, the access is hindered by
the inner mechanical connecting elements.
[0045] Therefore, the head 2 can provide an opening 15, having a
greater dimension than the hole 11, in order to allow accommodating
the optical sensor 10 in position within the head 2.
[0046] The opening 15 (represented in FIG. 5) can be realized in
such a position of the head 2 that it can result to be hidden in
the mannequin when it is being used. Since mannequins can be
associated with suitable wigs, the opening 15 can be provided in
those areas of the head 2 corresponding to the nape (as in FIG. 5),
the temples or those where hair can normally grow.
[0047] The opening 15 can be closed by a wall (not visible in the
drawings) which is suitably shaped and held in position from
suitable lock means, for example a screw.
[0048] Advantageously, the wall is obtained directly by the head 2,
and can be the result of a cut that provides both the wall and the
opening 15 in one operation. In this case, the wall can have the
shape of a skullcap.
[0049] Advantageously, the opening 15 is provided before painting
the head 2 and preferably even before the head 2 and the trunk 5
are welded to each other.
[0050] Advantageously, before painting the head 2, the seat for the
optical sensor is also provided, by drilling the hole 11 and
checking the thickness S of the head 2 proximate to the hole
11.
[0051] The optical sensor 10, instead, can be inserted after the
head 2 has been completed.
[0052] The processing means 14 can be either internal or external
to the mannequin 1. If they are external, the connecting means 13
will be able to transfer the signal emitted from the optical
detector 10 both in wireless and cabled modes.
[0053] In the second case (the cabled transmission of the signal),
the connecting wire/s may exit from the external surface of the
mannequin 1 from a hidden position, for example from one of the
extremities of the limbs, for example from a leg, from a heel or
sole.
[0054] The connecting wire/s can be also caused to pass from the
mannequin 1 directly to a pedestal on which the mannequin 1 is
supported.
[0055] Advantageously, the connecting means 13, within the
mannequin 1, start from the inner volume V of the head 2 and are
arranged within the other parts of the mannequin 1, which are also
advantageously hollow such as a single cavity is defined without
interruption within the mannequin 1.
[0056] The processing means 14 process the signal received from the
optical detector 10 in order to detect several data, also
anthropometric data, for example referring to the people entering
the visual field of the optical detector 10.
[0057] The anthropometric data can be for example comprised in or
selected from the group comprising: gender, age group (for example,
child or adult, or child, adolescent, adult, elder), ethnic
group.
[0058] Furthermore, the time can be detected and recorded when one
or more passers-by enters the field of the optical detector 10
and/or the time of attention, possibly associated to each
person.
[0059] By "time of attention", it can be meant the time spent by
someone standing in the field of the optical detector 10, or
standing near the mannequin 1 or, preferably, the time spent by a
person observing said mannequin 1.
[0060] Advantageously, in order to comply with the privacy laws
that may be in force in some countries, the processing means 14 can
inhibit the access to the images detected by the optical detector
10.
[0061] Optionally, furthermore, the processing means 14 can
comprise suitable storing devices, that may be timed, in order to
store a copy of the images detected by the optical detector,
possibly for a predetermined period of time, for example three
days.
[0062] Obviously, those skilled in the art, aiming at meet
contingent and specific requirements, will be able to carry out a
number of modifications and variations to the configurations
described above.
[0063] For example, the number and position of the interfaces 9 is
not required to be as described above, but a greater (or lower)
number of interfaces 9 can be also provided.
[0064] Similarly, the optical detector 10 could be replaced or
supplemented with a suitable sensor of a different type, for
example a microphone, with a proximity sensor or the like.
[0065] This sensor could be arranged proximate to the ocular
portion 3 and/or could be not arranged proximate to the ocular
portion 3. Similar considerations will also apply to the position
of the optical detector 10.
[0066] Consequently, rather than in the head 2 of the mannequin 1,
the sensor or optical detector 10 could be arranged in a different
portion in the mannequin 1 relative to the head, for example it
could be disposed proximate to the portion (if provided)
corresponding to the ears, throat, nose, mouth, hands, fingers,
umbilicus, feet and/or toes, such as to improve dissimulation
according to the garments displayed by means of the mannequin 1 or
portion of mannequin 1.
[0067] The following embodiments are also possible.
EXAMPLE 1
[0068] A head 2 for a mannequin 1, preferably hollow and/or
preferably for an antropomorph mannequin 1, in which the head 2
comprises at least one ocular portion 3 and in which the head 2
comprises a hole 11 proximate to at least the one ocular portion 3,
in which the hole 11 preferably has a diameter ranging between 1 mm
and 50 mm.
EXAMPLE 2
[0069] A head 2 according to the example 1, in which the ocular
portion 3 comprises a portion corresponding to a pupil and the hole
11 is provided at the pupil and in which, optionally, the diameter
of the hole 11 is substantially equal to that of the pupil, for
example slightly greater than the latter.
EXAMPLE 3
[0070] A head 2 according to one of the Examples 1 or 2, in which
the head 2 defines a volume V therein and comprises an optical
detector 10 arranged in the volume V such as to detect images of
the outside of head 2 through the hole 11.
EXAMPLE 4
[0071] A head 2 according to the example 3, in which the optical
detector 10 is connected to a data processing centre by means of
communication means in which, preferably, the data processing
centre is external to volume V.
EXAMPLE 5
[0072] A head 2 according to one of the examples 1 to 4, in which
the head 2 comprises an opening 15, having greater dimensions than
the hole 11, which is arranged on the surface of the head 2
corresponding to the nape or temples or in the area where hair
normally grows, wherein the opening 15 allows the insertion of the
optical detector 10 into the volume V; the opening 15 being rather
reclosable by means of a wall being fastened to the head 2 by means
of lock means.
EXAMPLE 6
[0073] A mannequin 1 or a portion of mannequin 1 comprising a head
2 according to one of the examples 1 to 4, in which the head 2 is
integral to the trunk 4 of the mannequin 1 and optionally comprises
two arms 6 and two legs 8, wherein it further optionally comprises
connecting means 13 in order to connect the optical detector 10 to
a processing device 14 being arranged either inside or outside of
the mannequin 1 and wherein, when the processing device is arranged
outside the mannequin 1 and the connecting means 13 comprise wires
exiting from mannequin 1, the wires exit from the mannequin 1
proximate to the base of the mannequin 1.
EXAMPLE 7
[0074] Use of a portion of mannequin 1 according to the preceding
example, in which the optical detector 10 sends a signal
representative of the detected images to the processing device, the
processing device 14 detecting anthropometric data being comprised
in the group comprising: gender, age, ethnic group and/or detecting
the time spent by someone to observe the mannequin 1, wherein the
processing device 14 cannot output any signal representative of the
images being detected from the optical detector, except for the
above-mentioned anthropometric data.
EXAMPLE 8
[0075] A method for manufacturing a head 2 according to one of the
examples 1 to 6 comprises, in order, the following steps: [0076]
(a) moulding a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of
head 2; [0077] (b) providing the hole 11 in the head 2; [0078] (c)
painting the head 2.
EXAMPLE 9
[0079] A method according to the preceding example, which
comprises, after the step (b) the step of: [0080] (d) providing the
opening 15 in the head.
EXAMPLE 10
[0081] A method according to the example 8 or 9 which comprises,
after the step (d), one or more of the following steps: [0082] (e)
fitting the optical detector 10 into the volume V through the
opening 15; [0083] (f) fixing the optical detector 10 proximate to
the hole 11, so that the optical detector 10 can detect images of
the outside of head 2 through the hole 11. Alternatively, the
embodiments described above in the examples 1 to 10 can be
expressly excluded from the scope of protection of the present
application by expression of disclaimer.
[0084] Such variations and modifications are however all
encompassed within the scope of protection of the invention such as
defined from the following claims.
* * * * *